Hello football fans! I’m sure thoughts about this weekend have you feeling both anxious and excited. You have been counting down this moment since May when the final whistle blew. This weekend, yes this Saturday is the day we have been waiting all summer for. Of course, it is the start of the 2015/2016 Barclays Premier League season.

It is time again to watch your favourite English club vie for the title ‘Champion of England’. Time for friendships to be divided (in good spirit, of course) because of differing allegiances. It’s time for loud roars, tears or both watching those deciding matches. Being a football fan, particularly one that supports a club in the EPL, is a roller coaster experience. But totally worth it when you see your team lift that trophy at the end of it all. I’m sure your mind is buzzing with questions that truthfully only time can tell, but we can give you our take on it.

Surely you have been thinking about the transfers this summer and how they will impact the title-contenders this season. Will Raheem Sterling prove decisive for Manchester City and their title charge, or will he follow the footsteps of Adam Johnson, Scott Sinclair and co? Liverpool have made a number of signings and will be looking to avoid another disappointing sixth place finish. The anticipated breakout of youngster Jordon Ibe coupled with signings such as James Milner, Firmino and Christian Benteke should be enough to excite ‘Kopites’ about their prospects. 

Many eyes will be on the Louis Van Gaal-ed Manchester United team as they made hopefully important signings such as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Memphis Depay. Man U seems all set for a promising season having done good trades and had good results during the pre-season, but it is yet to be seen where the creativity will come from, having lost Angel Di Maria to PSG. 

Chelsea, the reigning champions, have pretty much the same team that convincingly won the league last season, but will a lack of ‘fresh blood’ prove their downfall? Or can they comfortably retain the trophy? Mourinho’s men have performed well in the pre-season as well, however, some fans are a little uneasy following the performance in 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield – the first under ‘The Special One’.

The acquisition of Peter Cech was major for Arsenal, and it instantly raised their profile as title contenders. Consistent goal-scoring by their attackers and they could prove to be a force to be reckoned with. Arsenal looked dangerous during the 1-0 win, and many expect that they will continue to be dangerous throughout the season.

By the looks of it the top spot will be hotly contested. Will the reigning Blues retain their title? Will Van Gaal bring Man U to the victor’s spot? Will Arsenal keep the momentum of their pre-season win and walk away with the trophy? Is it possible that a Sterling and Aguero combo is just what Man City needs to cinch the title? Has Liverpool perfected their strategy enough to steal the trophy? 

At the other end of the table, the relegation battle will again prove just as fierce. The promoted trio of AFC Bournemouth, Norwich and Watford will be hoping to stay, but only twice in the Premier League era has that feat been met. 

Other story lines such as the league’s top scorer and overall best player will ensure that the conversation about the world’s most popular league will remain relevant week in, week out for the next 10 months. Like any fan, we are looking forward to seeing who’s going to take the crown.